Chicken anemia virus (CAV) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects poultry, particularly chickens. It belongs to the Circoviridae family and is known to primarily target young chicks, causing severe anemia and immunodeficiency. The virus is small and non-enveloped, consisting of a single-stranded circular DNA genome.
CAV is transmitted horizontally through close contact with infected birds, as well as vertically by the transfer of the virus from the mother hen to her eggs. Infected chicks may exhibit various clinical signs, including weakness, decreased appetite, pale combs, and feathers, stunted growth, and increased susceptibility to other pathogens.
The virus mainly infects the bone marrow, leading to a decrease in the production of red and white blood cells, which ultimately results in anemia and immunosuppression. This compromised immunity predisposes infected poultry to secondary bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, which can exacerbate the disease and lead to significant mortality rates.
Preventing and controlling CAV primarily involves implementing strict biosecurity measures, such as isolating infected birds, disinfecting the premises, and employing vaccination strategies. Vaccination of breeder hens before egg production is a common approach to reduce the vertical transmission of the virus. Nevertheless, it is crucial to maintain good management practices and hygiene standards to minimize the risk of CAV outbreaks and mitigate its impact on poultry production.
